The COVID-19 pandemic, and the global lockdown that was put in place to control it, have resulted in the harshest economic crisis since the great depression. The crisis has caused a drastic decline in employment and wages worldwide and threatens to increase the number of people living in poverty... more

On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Barcelona Process, this report examines the various dimensions of Mediterranean integration in today’s context and provides policy recommendations for enhancing Mediterranean integration, beyond trade agreements. The report suggests enhancing growth... more

This brief focuses on food insecurity in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, with specific examples from the South Mediterranean (Maghreb, Mashreq) countries, and on how it is aggravating during a global shock such as the Covid-19 pandemic. It examines the socio-economic situation on... more

Cette note de politique présente quelques résultats préliminaires de certaines études lancées récemment pour évaluer l’efficacité de la stratégie éducative d’e-learning, adoptée au milieu scolaire pour assurer la continuité pédagogique en période de crise. La fermeture des établissements... more

As the Covid-19 virus takes hold of countries all over the world, economies are falling into a deep recession. The recent World Economic Outlook by the World Bank forecasts that Turkey’s GDP is likely to contract by 5 % in 2020. Unlike this, the Minister of Finance and Treasury has recently... more

This policy brief looks at the key socio-economic and political features of Lebanon, the drivers of its fragility exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, and the devastating explosion at Beirut’s port on August 4, 2020. This colossal explosion has exacerbated the impact of the ongoing pandemic and... more

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has not only led to human casualties but also generated a severe global economic downturn. Governments have responded with economic stimulus packages to mitigate the adverse effects of this downturn. In this paper, we analyze the economic policy responses adopted... more

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented shock in all areas of human activity. Although the pandemic is not over and a wide range of its impacts has not yet unfolded, governments are required to act promptly to diminish its negative consequences.   This brief discloses several keystones of... more

In the absence of effective therapies and vaccines, North African countries, as elsewhere, have taken comprehensive containment measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 such as closing airports and maritime boundaries, suspension of non-essential activities, and stay-at-home orders.   The... more

Given the growing impact of COVID-19, the initial measures taken by the Tunisian authorities failed to address the second wave effectively. After providing an overview of the Tunisian public debt situation prior to the pandemic and of the subsequent challenges posed by the Covid-19 crisis, the... more

The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation strategy of firms, which have followed the technological path to support business continuity online, in response to government restrictions. The effectiveness of these business strategies depends on the familiarity and awareness of... more

Trade and integration—within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and with the rest of the world—will be critical to lowering poverty, empowering the poor, and igniting economic growth in the post-Covid era, according to the World Bank’s latest regional economic update.   The report,... more

The COVID19 pandemic has severe economic and social implications in Egypt. The resulting economic crisis is having its toll on income, employment, and poverty, and is exacerbating the hardships already faced by households and vulnerable groups in Egypt during the last 3 years. These years witnessed... more

La crise du COVID-19 est d’ampleur inédite, et vient frapper une région méditerranéenne déjà très affaiblie. Ce Brief se focalise sur l’impact économique de la crise financière du COVID-19 dans les pays du sud de cette région avec un focus sur l’emploi, la croissance, la pauvreté et les inégalités... more

The transportation sector is exposed to significant paradigm shifts and financial difficulties due to the Covid-19 epidemic in Mediterranean countries as well as all over the world. In particular, public transportation is struggling worldwide, with reduced passenger load factors of 50% to 90%. To... more